In City Council:

February 8, 2010

TYLERCITY COUNCIL MINUTES

February 8, 2010

(Approved)

The regularly scheduled meeting of the Tyler City Council was called to order at 7:00 p.m., on February 8, 2010, at the Tyler Fire Hall. Mayor Lutterman and Council Members Mundt, Clark and Thomsen were present. Staff Present: Beck, Spindler, and Tolsma. Guests Present: Robert Wolfington and Bill Clark.

The agenda was approved by the Council. Motion was made by Mundt, seconded by Clark, and unanimously carried.

The January 4, 2010 minutes were approved. Motion was made by Clark, seconded by Mundt, and unanimously carried.

Under Public Express no items were heard.

City Administrator Tolsma presented the Council with a resolution stating that the if the Council wishes to reimburse itself for expenses related to the clubhouse remodeling project through the sale of bonds it may do so. Motion was made by Lutterman, seconded by Mundt, and unanimously carried to pass reimbursement resolution 10-3.

The Council agreed to set the water project public hearing date for 7:00 pm on Monday, March 8, 2010. Motion was made by Lutterman, seconded by Clark, and unanimously carried.

The Council discussed entering into a mutual aid contract with the Minnesota Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (MNWARN) to provide or receive emergency assistance in cooperation with other cities in Minnesota. Public Works Director Beck explained that through the contract the Council would still maintain discretion in deciding whether or not the City would be able to provide assistance if another community requested assistance. Motion was made by Thomsen, seconded by Lutterman, and unanimously carried to enter into the MNWARN mutual aid agreement.

City Administrator Tolsma presented the Council with a revised personnel policy, which Tolsma stated would help to clear up some confusion with both the Council and City Staff in terms of paid time off benefits. Motion was made by Lutterman, seconded by Thomsen, and unanimously carried to amend the City of Tyler Personnel Policy. Motion was also made by Lutterman, seconded by Clark, and unanimously carried to officially amend the duties and work hours of the deputy registrar and bookkeeper positions.

City Administrator Tolsma presented the Council with a recommendation to gradually increase natural gas rates over the course of the next year to help cover the cost of the increasing repayment amount associated with the natural gas refunding bond and to ensure that the gas department is self sustaining. Tolsma recommended a three phase increase of $.05 every three months for a total increase of $.15 per ccf by next September. Motion was made by Thomsen, seconded by Clark, and unanimously carried to approve the gas rate increases.

Police Chief Spindler gave a brief police report and discussed the possibility of revising the wages for part-time officers. Spindler noted that it is getting harder to attract part-time officers to Tyler with wages where they currently are set.

City Attorney Petersen discussed Minnesota state statutes regarding the removal of economic development authority members. Petersen noted that the Council must first provide the member in question a hearing before any final decision can be made.

Public Works Director Beck stated that the utility crew had been busy with snow removal and water leak issues at the water tower. Beck also discussed plans for a new utility garage capable of meeting the City’s demand for storage. Beck said he would do some research and have more information at the next Council Meeting.

City Administrator Tolsma had nothing to report to the Council.

Mayor Lutterman had nothing to report to the Council.

Motion was made by Mundt, seconded by Clark, and unanimously carried to approve the bills.

There being no further business before the Council, Mayor Lutterman adjourned the meeting at 8:50 p.m. Motion made by Mundt, seconded by Thomsen, and unanimously carried to adjourn.